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If you could move anywhere you want, where would you go? How would you choose a location? There are several factors to consider if you’re thinking about moving and don’t have a specific location in mind. Even if you know the area or city you’ll move to, you still need to choose the right place to live. Here are some tips courtesy of Dr. Arnold Heller.
What’s Important to You?
Are you planning to move close to family or friends? Do you prefer a bustling city or the quiet countryside? When you’ve decided to move, think about what’s most important to you in an area. Some common answers are:
- Neighborhood type, size, safety, and appearance
- Close to your favorite recreational spots, whether that’s dog parks, swimming pools, gyms, museums, or other fun places
- Cost of living
- Job opportunities and commute options/times
- Climate and setting (beach, mountains, etc.)
- Proximity to healthcare providers, grocery stores, schools, public transportation, and other services
Think about things you need, enjoy, and prefer. Research different locations and visit a few, if possible. Then, choose a city and start to look for appropriate housing.
What Kind of Home Do You Want?
Will you be buying a home or renting a living space? Are you looking for a condo, townhouse, apartment, or a house? One of the first things you’ll need to do is set a monthly housing budget and find suitable properties within your price range.
Think about your current and future needs. For instance, if you’re likely to have children soon, plan to have enough space in your home. Consider locations that are close to good schools and kid-friendly activities.
When you’re deciding what your ideal home will be, think about things you want or need, such as:
- The number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want
- The type of floor plan and style you prefer
- Outdoor living spaces/acreage
- Accessibility
- Home office or other specialty rooms
- Large kitchen
- Laundry room
Although finding a new residence with everything on your wish list is challenging, prioritizing your preferences can make narrowing down your choices easier. Consider making a chart so you can compare options side by side.
Did You Know?
When you’re setting up your new home, it’s a good time to make some changes and additions that will improve your family’s wellness:
- Select window treatments that allow natural light into your home.
- Add green plants; research shows that plants in your home can reduce stress and depression and improve concentration and productivity.
- Organize and keep your new home clean and free of clutter to promote stress-free living.
- Find natural alternatives to harsh cleaning chemicals.
- Change HVAC filters regularly and use those with high filtration ratings.
Will You Hire a Moving Company?
You’ll probably need to hire a moving company, especially if you have lots of belongings or are moving somewhere beyond a reasonable DIY moving driving distance. Before getting quotes for comparison, search for “movers near me” and evaluate local moving companies by reading online reviews. You can also ask friends or family for recommendations.
When you’ve selected a few reputable companies, ask for quotes in writing. Legitimate movers won’t quote your job until they come to your home to inspect the household goods you’ll take with you and define the scope of their services. Never accept quotes over the phone.
Other moving tips:
- Create and update a comprehensive moving checklist
- Be very specific when labeling boxes
- Set a timeline of tasks to accomplish before your move
- Make age-appropriate plans to include your children
Are You Ready?
Asking yourself the right questions can make choosing a new place to live easier. Decide what’s important to you, find a place you’re happy with, hire movers, and set up your new home.